Accents of Dutch

Abstract. This experimental study deals with the perception of regionally colored accents of Standard Dutch (from Groningen, Friesland, Limburg, Zuid-Holland, and West-Flanders) as compared to 'pure' Standard Dutch. Three different aspects were investigated: speech-based personality impression, perceived linguistic divergence, and geographic identifiability. Listeners originated from different parts of the Netherlands. As for personality impression, speakers of 'pure' Standard Dutch were perceived to be significantly more dominant (arrogant, self-assured, and active) than accented speakers from Groningen, Friesland, Limburg, and West-Flanders, and they received significantly higher ratings on the integrity dimension (reliable, fair, and education) than accented speakers from Limburg. No other significant differences (e.g. related to social attractiveness) were found. With respect to linguistic divergence, the speakers from the south (Limburg and West-Flanders) were perceived to have significantly stronger and more homogeneous accents than the speakers from the north (Groningen and Friesland) and the west (Zuid-Holland). Finally, the geographic origin of the speakers from Limburg appeared to be the easiest to identify and that of the speakers from West-Flanders and Groningen the most difficult.